Bac Ninh Day Trip by Car: Do Temple, Dau Pagoda, Dong Ho

Bac Ninh by car: a day of temples, Dong Ho painting village and quan ho near Hanoi. In the new Bac Ninh (merged with Bac Giang in 2025), the old Kinh Bac heartland is only about 30–40 km from Hanoi. By car you can be back the same day and still fit in 3–4 stops.

A one-day plan

• Morning: Do temple (honouring the eight Ly kings) – Dau pagoda, one of the old pagodas of the Thuan Thanh area.
• Noon: lunch in town.
• Afternoon: But Thap pagoda – Dong Ho village to watch woodblock printing.

The order can be flipped depending on where you start.

The year end

Autumn and winter are dry with soft light, good for photographing wooden architecture. Near Tết, Dong Ho is busy printing Tết pictures, so you may see artisans at work. The Lim festival and many village festivals come after Tết, outside this guide.

Where to hear quan ho

Outside festival season, some quan ho houses and village clubs perform for groups who book ahead. Ask locally or through your hotel a few days in advance.

Tips

• On full-moon and first-of-month days temples are crowded and parking tight; arrive early.
• Thuan Thanh lanes are narrow; larger vehicles park outside.
• Buy Dong Ho prints at the workshop to see the process and the shell-coated paper.

Choosing a vehicle

Families: a 4–5 seater or 7-seater. Visiting foreign groups: a 16-seater. Prefer to drive yourself? See self-drive in Bac Ninh; further out is Tay Yen Tu.

Lock in Bac Ninh dates near Tết early: Tết bookings need about a 10% deposit and quotes are always 10% off. Chauffeur prices include fuel and tolls; 8% VAT invoices on request.

FAQ

Is Bac Ninh close to Noi Bai airport?

Fairly close; many visitors spend half a day there before or after a flight.

Do I need to stay overnight?

No; a same-day return covers the main sights.

Practical notes for a Bac Ninh day trip

Leave Hanoi early to reach the first temple before tour groups and the midday heat. Most pagodas ask for covered shoulders and knees, so bring a light scarf or long trousers. Small notes are useful for offerings and parking.

A four-stop day with lunch usually takes eight to nine hours door to door. If you want to watch Dong Ho woodblock printing, call ahead, since workshops do not print every day.

For more routes from Hanoi see Bac Giang and Tay Yen Tu and designing your own route.

Quick answers

Is Bac Ninh far from Hanoi? About 30 to 40 km, depending on the stop.

Can we add Bac Giang? Yes, but plan an extra hour or more.